MoC says 60-70% of market goods now made in Cambodia

MoC says 60-70% of market goods now made in Cambodia

The Royal Government is committed to diversifying and strengthening the domestic market by promoting, increasing, and encouraging the consumption of Cambodian products, supporting producers, and protecting food quality.

After Cambodia cut down imports of products from Thailand, approximately 60-70 percent of the goods available in the domestic market are now Cambodian products, while the remaining portion is imported from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries in the region, said Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State and spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference during the 18th Cambodia Trade Expo (CTExpo) under the theme ‘Trade Renaissance: Local Products Empowerment’, Sovicheat said, “Currently, most of the goods supplied in the market are Cambodian-made, accounting for 60 to 70 percent.”

Cambodia is now importing goods not only from Vietnam, but also from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries in the region, he added.

Sovicheat made it clear that Cambodia has stopped importing oil, gas, vegetables, and fruits from Thailand, and now imports these products from Vietnam and Singapore instead.

Cambodia also imports a significant volume of goods, mainly foodstuffs from Malaysia. According to the Malaysian Embassy in Cambodia, Cambodian imports of Malaysian goods have increased three to four times compared to previous periods.

“This is clear evidence that when Thailand gave up an opportunity, it is Thailand that loses, while its neighbours benefit. Cambodia understands this because we have worked hard to produce for our own consumption. Although our products may not have had the desired aesthetics at first, over time, the packaging will improve in quality, reflecting our efforts,” he emphasised.

Sovicheat noted that since tensions began between Cambodia and Thailand in July, the Ministry has observed that Cambodian trade activity, domestic supply, and the ability to seize new opportunities independently have become a common focus among citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors.

“Our citizens, as consumers, now follow one principle: to give value to Cambodian products. Small and medium-sized enterprises follow one principle: to strive to produce quality products and expand product diversity to ensure that domestic supply meets the needs of consumers.”

Sovicheat emphasised that the government maintains a clear stand to diversify and strengthen the domestic market by promoting, increasing, and encouraging the consumption of Cambodian products, supporting producers, and protecting food quality, safety, and public health through strengthened inspection and packaging standards.

Socio-economic researcher Chey Tech told Khmer Times that this situation presents a valuable opportunity for Cambodia to transform challenges into advantages, particularly by increasing local production capacity to supply the domestic market, as well as redirecting exports to other ASEAN markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, and to countries like Australia, China, and the US.

“Cambodia must continue working hard to fully replace Thai goods by boosting domestic production and increasing imports from alternative sources,” he said.

Tech called on tycoons, investors and local producers to expand production, improve technology, enhance product quality, and especially set reasonable prices to encourage the use of local products and promote exports.

"What we need to do is maintain our current stance because, whether we like it or not, the situation may improve in the future, leading to the reopening of borders and the resumption of trade. As members of ASEAN and the World Trade Organization (WTO), we cannot shut off imports from any country entirely, as it would violate international trade laws,” he stressed.

“However, we hope Cambodians will support local products as much as possible. If we completely stop using certain imported products, the demand for them will automatically decrease.”

khmertimeskh